This was the last event on our list this year, and our first invitation to join in a food festival. From our tent we were privileged to have the most tremendous view down the quay where many of the marquees were based and across the sweep of the river. Behind us soared the walls of the medieval castle and we could really appreciate the awe which the stone castle and its extensive walls must have inspired in the people of the town. Clambering up the steep zigzag path to the keep reinforced the sense of inferiority which visitors were meant to feel when they approached the king's castle.

It was a wonderful setting for a very friendly local food festival which attracted visitors in their thousands during the weekend. Events were taking place all over the town in marquees and buildings. The best of local produce was available: honey, cheese, sausages, beer, apples, and, of course, welsh cakes and Bara Brith. More exotic items were also present: Malaysian food, olives and chillies in every form imaginable - even chilli beer.

The Guild were there to represent aspects of medieval life: Lady Eleanor tried hard to attract new kitchen staff, offering only slightly less than the minimum wage (a shilling a year); Tibby had strange and exotic alternatives to the restrictions imposed by the church's imposition of fast or meat free days whilst Beth the weaver illustrated the monotony of the diet of the comfortable but less well off in society. Sam the sailor spun tales of exotic lands and strange creatures when he wasn't being thrashed at Nine Men's Morris and Sarah tried hard to find buyers for her genuine and genuinely dodgy marvellous medicines.

 Elsewhere in the town other re enactors and interpreters were giving talks and demonstrations that explained the period in more detail. Despite gloomy weather forecasts the rain held off until the very end, encouraging everyone to make the most of a wonderful event which was excellently organised. We would like to thank the organisers for inviting us and everyone who listened patiently to our tales. It made a terrific end to our season of events. As usual we have an album of photos to share and our thanks to all the members of the public who were happy to be seen with us. As always, if you recognise yourself in one of our photos you are most welcome to download your own copy.